I take a step forward when she and Theresa walk toward the edge of the gathering. They are talking in earnest now. Wonder what they are discussing? Doesn’t matter. I want to be with her, want her attention on me and no one else. I move toward her when something brushes against my leg. I glance down to find Karma’s cat, Andy, rubbing against my pants. I stare at the beast; what the hell? Wives and kittens. Now, all that’s needed is children to run around screaming, and the tableau of how much the Sovrano brothers have changed would be complete.
Michael reaches down to pluck Andy up by the scruff of his neck. He cuddles the cat—he actually places the cat on his shoulder and scratches behind the animal’s ears… Because, apparently, all of us Mafiosos are quickly losing our hearts and our minds and becoming shadows of ourselves.
Michael jerks his chin in my direction. "Don’t look so surprised,fratellino," he drawls. "It’s what’s in store for you too, you know."
"Hugging cats that shed on my custom-made jacket, you mean?"
"It could be worse," he offers, "you could be brushing off baby puke instead."
I pale. "I just got married. Do you mind? Can I enjoy my honeymoon, at least?"
"Enjoy the grace period." Sebastian appears next to me. "Soon you’ll be caught up in the day-to-day humdrum of what a marriage is really about, and that’s when the reality is going to sink in."
"You should talk; the man who’s avoided relationships at all costs."
"I don’t avoid them. I simply choose the ones I intend to be in."
"No pun intended." I snort. "If you call your disappearing at a certain time every week to keep your appointment with a certain someone a relationship—"
"It is," he smirks, "ne in which we both know the score and don’t expect anything beyond that from each other; it’s a perfect relationship."
"Are we talking about Seb’s mystery woman?" Massimo ambles up.
"Not so much of a mystery, apparently," Seb says wryly.
"Seb has a woman?" Luca walks up to stand next to Massimo. "Why haven’t I heard of this before?"
"Perhaps, because you’ve been too busy with your exhibitionism?" Massimo chuckles.
"You sound jealous, fratello?" Luca drawls.
Massimo snorts, "The last thing I want to do is fuck women in front of the entire world."
"It’s not the entire world, just those watching in the club. You should try it sometime; it does wonders for your staying strength."
"I don’t need to be gawked at to perform," Massimo smirks, "and I’d rather keep my sexual proclivities to myself."
"So, you admit that you have certain proclivities?"
"I admit…nothing." Massimo grins.
"Aww, come on," Luca bumps his fist into Massimo’s shoulder, "where’s the fun in that? Don’t act coy, brother. If you have something to share, you won’t find a better audience."
"Fuck, no." Massimo raises his hands. "The last thing I want is to share my kink with my family."
"Aha," Seb rubs his hands together, "the quiet and strong Massimo admits to having kinks."
"I didn’t say that," Massimo backtracks. "And why are we talking about our sexual preferences? This is supposed to be a reception to celebrate our brother’s nuptials. Not exactly a place to spill our secrets."
"Damn, so you do have secrets." Michael smirks.
"As much as the next man." Massimo grimaces. "Speaking of, what are Nikolai and JJ doing at this event? Thought this was supposed to be a family gathering?"
"Considering JJ loaned us his guns, and Nikolai’s timely intervention saved my life... Not to mention, they are our closest allies so," Michael shrugs, "it stands to reason they are part of our ‘made’ family now."
"So, you trust them?" I scowl.
"Enough to invite them to your wedding reception, yes." Michael holds my gaze. "Why? Is something worrying you?"